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HIV Prevention & Needle Exchange Programs

HIV Prevention: Needle Exchange Programs

In the face of AmericaÆs long held belief that prohibition is the only way to combat drug use in this country, there is an additional fear that is involved in being a ôjunkie.ö This fear being the contraction of the HIV virus. This deadly, dreaded virus has long accompanied the use of heroin and other drugs that are traditionally administered through intravenous drug use. More and more intravenous drug users are falling prey to this epidemic, ôIntravenous drug users now account for about half of all new cases of HIV infection; their partners and children add another 20%. Since most states restrict syringe sales, creating an artificial scarcity, users of heroin or liquid cocaine share, rent, or pick up discarded equipment from the street. In a æshooting gallery,Æ dozens of users may contract HIV in a single day. This gives new meaning to the word æepidemicÆ,ö (Give, 1996, p. 26).

Needle exchange programs have been suggested by many as an important strategy in reducing the transmission of HIV in intravenous drug users. Such programs are designed to provide sterile injection equipment to intravenous drug users. Under such programs used needles are returned for new ones, and the supply of free and legal sterile needles is constant. Not only does this combat against the spread of HIV but it also allows program staffers contact with drug users. Contact with drug users on a regular basis will help establish trust and rapport to facilitate not only safer injection practices but entry into treatment for drug abuse for hard to reach populations, which must be the long term goal of any program designed to help intravenous drug users. This paper will be a discussion and analysis on how needle exchange programs prevent the spread of AIDS. This paper will show that despite objections to such programs, needle exchange programs are effective and cost-effective in the battle to cu...

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HIV Prevention & Needle Exchange Programs. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 19:14, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1711635.html